Still no renewal agreement between Messi and FC Barcelona
Journalist Manu Carreño explained on late night radio show 'El Larguero', that the delay stems from the fact that a mutual accord between both sides has yet to be reached.
There was hope within the FC Barcelona camp that the club would be able to confirm Lionel Messi's contract renewal on the very same day that the Argentine striker celebrated his 34th birthday (yesterday, Thursday 24th). That situation failed to materialize and as Manu Carreño explained on late night radio show 'El Larguero', the reason stems from the fact that: "there is still no agreement between Messi and FC Barcelona", he added, "it's not a question of needing a signature from the player, what is needed is both sides to come to an agreement'.
Carreño did add however that both sides are disposed to reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion to talks stating: "both sides want to reach an agreement but as of yet, that has failed to happen. It's not just a question of money as Messi, who is currently on Copa America duty, is prepared to take a salary cut but there are still a few matters on the player's side that have yet to be ironed out but at present, there is no agreement between the club and the Argentine player".
'Positive path'
Rumours began to circulate earlier this week that an announcement was imminent but both sides are appealing for prudence regarding the matter but acknowledge that the course of events is taking a positive path. Some of the outstanding points to be resolved focus on financial and legal aspects with both parties sending upbeat noises to the media surrounding the evolution of the talks.